Finalists in Mayor's Teen Biz Challenge to Compete for Investment in Final Pitch Competition

BALTIMORE, MD.  —  Eleven Baltimore City young people (between the ages of 14 and 21) will compete in a final pitch to a panel of community business leaders and judges as part of the Mayor’s Teen Biz Challenge, culminating in up to $5000.00 in potential investment in their “Big Ideas.”  Initiated by Mayor Catherine E. Pugh last year and inspired by the popular “Shark Tank” television series, Teen Biz Challenge is an accelerator program for youth entrepreneurs of Baltimore City.  The Teen Biz Challenge Final Pitch session will take place on Monday, September 17, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Head Theater of Center Stage, 701 North Calvert Street.

“Supporting the youth of Baltimore as they strive to achieve their ambitions and realize their full potential is the obligation of us all,” said Mayor Catherine E. Pugh. “The Teen Biz Challenge is just one way to encourage the young entrepreneurs of our community and enhance their knowledge and skills so that they can bring their best ideas to fruition. Even more, it’s an investment in our future. I encourage all residents, business and community leaders to cheer-on these talented young people and the many others in our midst who are determined to make a positive difference.”

The Teen Biz Challenge, which is part of the City’s summer YouthWorks program, has been developed in partnership with Our D.R.EA.M. Foundation’s “Youth Entrepreneurship Startup” (Y.E.S.), and provides participating youth with five weeks of intense training and technical assistance in the fundamentals of business development. Practical sessions include concept development, business plan development, marketing and presentation skills training, financial analysis, as well as peer review and critique sessions.  The program further encourages residents, businesses and organizations to become directly involved with youth development.  The investment pool that will be divided among the most compelling presentations is the result of the generosity of Commercial Group, Grant Capital Management and the Weinberg Foundation.

The panel of judges will include:

  • JP Grant, Founder/President and CEO, Grant Capital Management
  • Kevin Johnson, CEO, Commercial Group
  • Kojo Addae-Mintah, Founder/CEO, Whirlwind Technolgies
  • Kezia Williams, Founder of The Black Upstart
  • Celebrity Guest Judge

Mayor Catherine E. Pugh will serve as the event moderator.

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